分类： entertainment

FALMOUTH, Trelawny – What began as an unfinished construction project altered by an extreme hurricane has quickly become one of Jamaica’s most beloved new tourist destinations. The 10-foot bronze statue of sprinting legend Usain Bolt, mounted on a newly redesigned fountain at Falmouth’s historic Water Square, has drawn a continuous stream of international visitors eager to snap photos with the monument honoring the world’s fastest man.

The site, located just steps from Falmouth’s historic cruise port, has become a must-see stop for thousands of passengers who disembark from large cruise ships each week. During a recent visit to the popular attraction, Jamaica Observer spoke with tourists and local guides about the statue’s unexpected rise to fame, and got the latest update on plans for its official dedication.

Andy, an excited visitor from New York, called the stop a highlight of his Jamaican trip. “It is great! Fantastic! I just found out that the statue is here. My tour guide brought me here and I just had to take pictures with it,” he said.

Local tour guide Dillion Wilmot explained that Bolt’s global fame makes the statue a draw for nearly every cruise group that comes to Falmouth. “A lot of people come off the boat and they do love to come and take pictures at the statue of Usain Bolt because everyone has heard about him. Most haven’t seen the statue yet, and many have never visited Water Square before. When they come off the ship, they love to see these historical sites and learn about the country’s great people,” Wilmot said, adding that visitors also enjoy learning the deep history of the square itself.

Water Square holds major historical significance: it was home to one of the earliest piped water systems in the Western Hemisphere, constructed all the way back in 1798. The original fountain on the site dates to 1805, and has been updated and redesigned multiple times in the centuries since.

Elliot, a tourist from Idaho who was visiting with a group of American travelers, said the statue lets visitors connect with the national pride Jamaicans have for their most iconic athlete. “I like it because we saw Bolt on television and the way his people greeted him when he came home, it was a big excitement for his country. He’s special,” Elliot said.

The path to the statue’s current popularity was an unplanned one. The Jamaica Defence Force and Trelawny Municipal Corporation partnered to build the new fountain and install Bolt’s statue, but the site remained closed to the public ahead of its planned official unveiling. That changed last October, when Category 5 Hurricane Melissa hit Jamaica with maximum sustained winds of 185 miles per hour. The storm ripped away the protective covering that hid the statue from public view, unexpectedly revealing it to the world months ahead of schedule.

Since that accidental unveiling, visitors have flocked to the site nonstop, turning it into one of the parish’s top tourist attractions. Officials now say an official dedication ceremony will be held in the near future, after months of delays. The event was originally planned for last Christmas, but had to be pushed back due to supply chain issues that slowed work on the redesigned fountain.

Olivia “Babsy” Grange, Jamaica’s Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sports, confirmed that the fountain and statue are now fully complete, and officials are just finalizing a new date for the dedication. “I have to speak with the mayor of Falmouth. We had planned to do it at Christmas but we didn’t do it at Christmas. So now we have to select an appropriate date. But it’s ready,” Grange said, noting that the supply delay stemmed from the time it took to source custom parts for the redesigned fountain.

Falmouth Mayor C Junior Gager, who also chairs the Trelawny Municipal Corporation, said the public will be notified of the dedication date as soon as it is finalized with Grange’s team. Once fully operational, the fountain will feature eight water jets that spray into the air above the base of the statue. Two new storyboards will also be installed at the site: one detailing the life and career of Bolt, who was born in Trelawny’s Sherwood Content community, and another highlighting the long history of Water Square itself.

The redesigned fountain will also include programmable colored lighting that will be used to mark national and cultural holidays, including Emancipation Day and Christmas Day. Grange confirmed that all infrastructure for the lighting feature is already in place. “They haven’t turned on the lights full time yet but the fountain is all wired and everything. When we turn the water on it’s going to be lit. It’s complete, it’s ready,” she said.

Bolt, a retired sprinter widely regarded as the greatest sprinter in sports history, still holds the world records in the men’s 100-meter and 200-meter sprints, as well as the 4×100-meter relay. Over his legendary career, he won eight Olympic gold medals and 11 World Championships gold medals, cementing his status as a global sporting icon and a source of immense national pride for Jamaica.

Montego Bay, Jamaica’s dynamic coastal hub known for its vibrant social and culinary landscape, has added a rising standout to its lifestyle lineup: D’ New Nostalgia Restaurant Day Club, a one-year-old venue that blends indulgent dining, relaxed luxury, and immersive design to create a one-of-a-kind experience for visitors. Now under new local management that took over operations in March, the venue is refining its concept to welcome both Jamaican locals and international tourists while carving out a unique niche in the region’s hospitality space.

Designed to be both a chic private escape and a lively social gathering spot, the venue’s aesthetic draws inspiration from the bohemian glamour of Tulum’s iconic Taboo, balanced with soft, warm accents evocative of the Mediterranean coastline. The entire space flows around a palette of muted warm neutrals paired with carefully curated decorative elements, complemented by purpose-built luxury amenities including shaded private cabanas, plush oversize day beds, and an elevated sky deck that accommodates everything from quiet afternoons of relaxation to energetic evening celebrations.

The transition to new ownership began unexpectedly, according to venue manager Cadia Clarke-Simpson. “My sister and I got a call last month that this business was up for sale, she said. She suggested we come and look at it out of curiosity. I came inside and I was sold immediately. We decided then and there that we would take up the offer, and closed the transition to take over operations in March from the previous owner.” Under the new leadership, the team is rolling out small but meaningful tweaks to the venue’s programming, including adding fan-favorite themed events like Taco Tuesdays and Jamaica Day, with more original events in development.

Central to the new ownership’s vision is a commitment to building a community-focused venue that works for all visitors. “We want this business to be a win-win for the community, to make both tourists and locals feel equally welcomed,” Clarke-Simpson explained. To deliver on that goal, the team is expanding its culinary lineup to add more beloved authentic Jamaican dishes, including classic stew peas with pig’s tail and a reintroduction of traditional Boston-style jerk chicken. At the same time, they are broadening their international offerings with new handcrafted pizza options to cater to varying tastes.

The venue’s full-service kitchen and fully stocked bar anchor the guest experience, supported by seamless, attentive, well-paced service paired with curated background music that keeps the energy consistent without disrupting conversation or relaxation. The menu itself is a thoughtful fusion of bold Caribbean heritage and global culinary influences, anchored by iconic Jamaican staples that satisfy local cravings and deliver authentic experiences for visitors. Slow-braised oxtail and aromatic curry goat sit at the core of the menu, while fresh seafood options including curried shrimp, whole lobster, and locally caught fresh fish cater to seafood lovers. Global touches like handcrafted tacos and artisanal pastas round out the offerings, appealing to both adventurous diners seeking new flavors and guests who prefer comforting familiar dishes.

Head Chef Nicolet Johnson, who developed the current fusion menu, shared insight into the culinary philosophy behind the offerings. “The menu is a fusion of Jamaican and international cuisines, including Asian, Italian and Mexican,” Johnson said. “We focus on using the best possible local ingredients, natural and fresh, as we seek to make it a great experience for every patron. My love of fusing cuisines comes out in the menu, and that also makes it possible for diners of all preferences to find something they love in the options.”

Complementing the award-worthy food is a craft cocktail program that has quickly earned its own acclaim among guests. Created by an in-house skilled mixologist, each drink is as visually stunning as it is flavor-balanced: refreshing, inventive, and perfectly suited for sun-soaked afternoons by the pool or leisurely evening gatherings.

For the leadership team, the venue’s name encapsulates its core mission. “We want our patrons to have a feeling of comfort, have the best time and keep coming back because of the memories they’re making here,” explained Dwayne Clarke, the venue’s director. “They’ll have the best experience as we strive to maintain excellent customer service, great food and top-tier entertainment. The nostalgia name says it all for us.”

Located at 14 Queens Drive in Montego Bay, St James, D’ New Nostalgia Restaurant Day Club can be reached for reservations at 876-634-7193 or 876-838-5236. Operating hours are 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM from Monday through Thursday, and 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM on Fridays and Saturdays.

Jamaica’s iconic coastal tourist hub of Ocho Rios, St Ann, wrapped up its highly anticipated 2026 Vacae Easter Weekend on a high note on Monday night, as the Campari-sponsored Sandz Festival closed out the four-day entertainment extravaganza with electrifying energy and unforgettable moments. Held at the scenic Plantation Cove venue, the closing showcase drew a massive, lively crowd of music fans and event-goers who turned out in droves to experience the final highlight of the annual holiday series. Renowned for its large-scale production and top-tier curation, Sandz once again exceeded industry and audience expectations, blending dynamic live performances from some of the Caribbean’s hottest talent with sets from A-list regional DJs to craft an immersive, one-of-a-kind experience for attendees.

Headlining the closing night was Malie Donn, one of the most rapidly rising stars in the global dancehall scene, whose commanding stage presence cemented his status as a leading new voice in the genre. Performing under his popular V6 deejay alias, Malie Donn delivered a high-octane, engaging set that held the packed crowd’s attention from start to finish. He ran through a catalog of fan-favorite hits, including *7:00 p.m.*, *Body Tea*, and *Dragga*, with each track sparking loud sing-alongs and crowd energy that rippled across the venue. His standout performance only reinforced his growing reputation and expanding footprint within the global dancehall community, leaving a lasting impression on everyone in attendance.

Complementing Malie Donn’s show-stopping set was this year’s immersive “Pirates of the Caribbean” theme, which brought a bold, cohesive visual identity to the entire festival grounds. From large-scale stage architecture to detailed decorative touches throughout the venue, the theme was executed flawlessly, boosting the overall festive atmosphere and delivering a visually stunning, cohesive experience that attendees praised across social media.

For event organizers, the seamless execution of this year’s Sandz Festival is a clear reflection of the steady growth and ambitious vision of Vacae Weekend, which has rapidly established itself as one of the Caribbean’s premier premium entertainment brands. Andrew Ellis, CEO of Twenty14 Ltd – the parent company behind Vacae Weekend – shared his enthusiasm after the event closed. “This year, Sandz was all about delivering a powerful, memorable finish to the perfect Easter weekend,” Ellis explained. “From the talent lineup to the production details, every element came together perfectly, and we remain incredibly proud of the work our entire team puts in to bring an event of this scale to life.”

This year’s Vacae Weekend would not have been possible without the ongoing support of title sponsor Campari Group, whose continued investment in Jamaica’s entertainment and cultural sector played a central role in elevating the entire weekend experience. Through its extensive portfolio of premium beverage brands, Campari enhanced multiple touchpoints across the four-day series, reinforcing the company’s long-standing commitment to supporting events that celebrate Caribbean music, lifestyle, and unique cultural heritage. For returning attendees and first-time visitors alike, the 2026 Campari Sandz Festival delivered a closing experience that will be remembered until next year’s edition of the popular holiday series.

Acclaimed Jamaican-American performer Sheryl Lee Ralph has added another milestone to her decades-long career, receiving the 2026 Cultural Impact Award from the Harvard Foundation during the university’s 40th Annual Cultural Rhythms Festival. The honor celebrates not only Ralph’s extensive contributions to entertainment, but also her far-reaching advocacy work that has touched marginalized communities across the globe.

Following the award ceremony, Ralph shared her gratitude with followers on her official Instagram page, penning a heartfelt caption reflecting on the occasion. “Thank you to Harvard and the Harvard Foundation for such a beautiful evening at the 40th Annual Cultural Rhythms Festival, and for the incredible honor of receiving the 2026 Cultural Impact Award,” she wrote. “To all the students, performers, and organisers, thank you for reminding us that culture connects us, inspires us, and carries us forward.”

In an official announcement published on its website, the Harvard Foundation outlined the reasoning behind selecting Ralph for this year’s honor. The award recognizes her 40-plus year artistic career, which has spanned Broadway, television, and film, and broken ground for Black performers in the industry. It also highlights Ralph’s relentless advocacy through the DIVA Foundation, the nonprofit she founded that advances critical causes including HIV/AIDS public awareness, health equity, LGBTQ+ rights, and the social and economic empowerment of women and girls.

During her appearance at the festival, Ralph shared a thoughtful message about purpose and kindness that resonated with attendees. “The greatest way to spend your life is becoming a better you, because the better you are to yourself is the best you can be to everyone else,” she told the crowd, per the university’s official account of the event. “Be good. Be kind. Share that with other people, because we are living in times where people need better from each other.”

The Harvard Foundation’s Cultural Impact Award is presented annually at the Cultural Rhythms Festival, a student-run celebration that spotlights the diverse cultural communities on Harvard’s campus and honors public figures who have used their platforms to advance cultural understanding and social good. Past recipients have included prominent artists, activists, and leaders from across the world, joining a legacy of impact that Ralph now becomes part of.

The global hip-hop community is mourning the passing of Afrika Bambaataa, the iconic American rapper and DJ widely recognized as one of the foundational architects of modern hip-hop culture. He was 67.

Born Lance Taylor to Jamaican and Barbadian immigrant parents in New York City, the trailblazing artist died Thursday after a months-long fight with cancer, according to close industry sources.
Bambaataa rose to prominence in the nascent days of hip-hop during the 1970s and 1980s, when his electrifying DJ sets at underground house shows and community block parties laid the groundwork for the genre’s signature sound. It was his 1984 studio album *Planet Rock* that catapulted him from underground stardom to mainstream acclaim, blending electronic production with hip-hop beats in a way that redefined the genre for decades to come.
Beyond his recording career, Bambaataa was a key founding figure of Universal Zulu Nation, a conscious hip-hop collective that aimed to channel hip-hop culture as a force for positive social change in under-resourced urban communities. The organization grew into one of the most influential collective groups in early hip-hop, helping to bring the genre from street corners to global consciousness.
However, the final decades of Bambaataa’s life were marked by severe controversy that irreparably damaged his public legacy. Multiple accusers came forward with detailed allegations of sexual abuse, sex trafficking, and pedophilia involving underage boys and young men, with claims that the abuse occurred throughout the 1980s and 1990s. The accusations cut short his active career and split public opinion on his contributions to music.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s iconic National Dance Theatre Company (NDTC) has capped off a landmark international tour across the United States and the Cayman Islands, earning rave reviews and standing ovations that reaffirm the global power and artistry of Jamaican cultural expression. What has long made NDTC a beloved cultural institution at home has once again captured international audiences, proving that the rhythmic soul of Jamaica translates into a universal, unforgettable performance art.

The tour’s first major stop took place on February 21, 2026, at Duke University’s Reynolds Industries Theater in Durham, North Carolina, where the company performed to a completely sold-out house. NDTC accepted a special invitation from Duke Arts to join the program of the 7th Bi-Annual Collegium for African Diaspora Dance (CADD) Conference, a leading biennial gathering that brings together dance scholars, practicing artists, and movement professionals from across the United States and the global African diaspora. The conference’s core mission centers on elevating African diaspora dance as both a vital academic resource and a distinct methodological approach to cultural studies, making NDTC’s appearance a highlight of the event.

Witnesses and official statements from the company describe a transformative performance that transcended a typical stage appearance. In an official media release following the show, NDTC shared: “The company did not merely perform. They claimed the stage. When the curtain fell, the audience rose. The standing ovation was not perfunctory — it was sustained, the kind that signals a room collectively unwilling to let an experience end.” The evening’s performance closed with one of the company’s most enduring works: Rex Nettleford’s legendary *Kumina*, a piece first choreographed in 1971 that remains a cornerstone of NDTC’s repertoire. For minutes after the final curtain dropped, the sold-out crowd remained on their feet, unwilling to end the moving cultural experience.

Following their triumphant stop at Duke University, the company traveled south and east to the Cayman Islands, where they took the stage at the Harquail Theatre under the patronage of the Cayman National Cultural Foundation (CNCF). The Cayman engagement was designed as a multi-faceted outreach and performance event, starting with an educational matinee show for local children in the morning, followed by two full gala performances in the evenings — and every segment of the visit exceeded expectations. For dozens of young Caymanian students, the morning children’s workshop marked their first ever introduction to NDTC’s distinctive blend of traditional and contemporary Jamaican dance.

CNCF’s education officer called the youth outreach program both deeply meaningful and exceptionally engaging for young attendees, noting that many participants left with a new appreciation for Caribbean dance traditions. The Cayman visit also marked a memorable career milestone for emerging artist Amaya Gomes, who made her NDTC debut in the company’s *Tribute to Cliff* alongside veteran performer Shavaughn Byndloss. The pair drew widespread praise for their electric on-stage chemistry, with observers highlighting the promising future the performance signals for both young and emerging talent within the company.

The evening gala performances drew a high-profile audience that included Jane Owens, Governor of the Cayman Islands, who made a point to visit the company backstage following the first gala to offer her personal congratulations. Also in attendance was Isaac Rankine, Jamaica’s Minister for Youth, Sports, Culture and Heritage, who has a personal connection to the Harquail Theatre having previously worked there as a lighting director earlier in his career.

In the wake of the company’s departure, the Cayman National Cultural Foundation has already made clear its strong desire to host NDTC for a return engagement in the future. That early request for a follow-up tour stop stands as a powerful testament to the lasting, positive impression the Jamaican dance company left on Caymanian audiences and cultural institutions alike. For NDTC, this successful international run adds another chapter to the company’s decades-long history of sharing Jamaica’s rich cultural heritage with audiences across the globe.

Jamaican emerging recording artist Marcue, who hails from the iconic Duhaney Park community in St Andrew, has carved an early reputation for assembling once-in-a-generation collaborations with some of the biggest names in global music, spanning both local and international industries. Early in his career, the up-and-coming talent earned the opportunity to work alongside legendary reggae pioneer Buju Banton, commercially dominant dancehall figure Vybz Kartel, and Florida-based American rapper Kent Jones, a credential few rising artists can claim.

The artist’s standout cut *My Favorite Song* first launched with a feature from Buju Banton back in 2015, produced by longtime Jamaican beatmaker Mark “Stone Cold” Hudson. Seven years later, the track got a high-profile refresh, with new verses added from both Vybz Kartel and Kent Jones to the official remix, also helmed by Hudson. However, the full potential of the high-profile project was never realized, after unforeseen personal and professional events pulled Marcue away from the music industry abruptly, forcing a years-long pause on his career and pushing the collab into obscurity.

Now, after stepping away from the spotlight to navigate unforeseen challenges, Marcue is making his official return to the Jamaican music scene, led by renewed fan demand for the star-studded project he was never able to fully promote. In a recent interview reflecting on his comeback, the artist framed the collaboration as a career-defining milestone that was too special to remain locked away.

“It was an absolute honour to share a recording with some of the most legendary artists Jamaica has ever given the world,” Marcue explained. “Kent Jones is also such a massive talent – he signed to DJ Khaled’s label and notched a massive breakout hit early in his career, so getting to work with him was a dream come true.”

While the re-release of *My Favorite Song* and its star-studded remix is Marcue’s current focus for fans, the artist noted that his brand new solo single *Just Can’t Let Go* remains his primary creative priority moving forward. Even so, he argued that revisiting the older collab project feels like the right step as he rebuilds his presence in the industry.

Reflecting on the multi-year delay that kept the track from reaching its full audience, Marcue emphasized that quality music never loses its resonance. “Good music is timeless, and you don’t get the chance to collaborate with an icon like Buju Banton every single day,” he said. “Bringing this track back to share with the world again is something really special for me, and I hope fans feel the same way.”